Does an automatic transmission car move when the brake is released?
4 Answers
An automatic transmission car moves when the brake is released. Below are some precautions regarding releasing the brake: When the road ahead is flat and clear: You can completely release the foot brake at once and then accelerate to move. When starting the car, you must first press the brake pedal to shift the gear lever out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) into a driving gear. Releasing the brake pedal allows the car to move slowly. The reason for pressing the brake in advance is to ensure the safety of both the driver and the vehicle. When the road ahead is complex or crowded: If there are people, other vehicles, obstacles, or when going down a steep slope, you should not release the brake completely all at once. Instead, release it slowly and gradually in a "testing" manner. This is mainly to prevent the car from moving too fast when starting and losing control, which could lead to an accident.
Having driven for decades myself, I've experienced firsthand how automatic transmissions allow the car to move as soon as you release the brake. This is primarily due to the transmission design that enables the vehicle to creep forward slowly when in Drive or Reverse gear after brake release, almost as if assisting with smooth starts. However, this behavior varies by terrain—on flat surfaces it's steady, but on steep inclines you might need to apply some throttle. Safety-wise, beginners should cultivate these habits: always verify gear position before moving, keep your foot near the brake pedal for immediate response to anomalies. I've witnessed numerous scary incidents of cars rolling back on slopes due to forgotten parking brakes. Vehicle condition also matters—brake failure requires immediate inspection. While this feature demonstrates thoughtful engineering, cautious operation remains essential.
That's right, I was also puzzled when I first started learning to drive an automatic car about why it moves as soon as you release the brake. In D gear, as soon as you lift your foot, the car starts moving slowly, which is especially convenient for stop-and-go driving in the city. However, be aware that on a slope, it might roll backward or forward, so I recommend beginners to practice on flat ground first and learn to coordinate with the accelerator. Additionally, some cars have an auto-hold function that locks the wheels after fully pressing the brake, so it won't move immediately when released. In short, this is a normal phenomenon, and you'll get used to it after driving a few more times. Just remember to check the gear before starting—don't mess around in N or P gear. Safety always comes first. In case of an emergency, don't hesitate to press the brake and stop immediately.
Driving an automatic transmission car to pick up and drop off kids at school is a common routine. Releasing the brake does allow the car to move slowly, which is most noticeable in D (Drive) gear. This saves effort, especially in areas with frequent traffic lights, eliminating the need to constantly press the accelerator. However, it's important to remind oneself not to get distracted—for instance, in garages or crowded areas, as the car's creeping motion could lead to collisions. So, always keep your foot ready to brake. Some cars even come with assist systems to prevent rolling on slopes, so it's good to familiarize yourself with your vehicle's features. In short, it's a convenient design, but staying attentive while operating ensures safety.
